Newport County Religious Heritage Trail

Friends Meeting House
The oldest religious structure in Newport. Expanded in 1729 and 1807; recently restored. Home of the New England Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends until 1905. The Quakers were the dominant religious group for the first 100 years of the Colony's history; as late as 1730, over half of the people in Newport were members of the society. Farewell Street and Marlborough Street, Newport; Seasonal hours. Group inquiries welcome. For more information, call 401-846-0813; www.newporthistorical.org

Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House
Adjacent to Newport Historical Society Museum. Built in 1730, possibly by Richard Munday, the Meeting House is the oldest of its faith in America and contains a beautiful pulpit and William Claggett clock. Tue-Fri, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ; Sat, 9:30 a.m. - noon. 82 Touro Street, Newport ; 401-846-0813; www.newporthistorical.org

St. Mary's Church
Oldest Roman Catholic parish in Rhode Island, established April 8, 1828. Wedding location of Jacqueline Bouvier to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, September 12, 1953. Mon-Fri, 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Closed holidays. 12 William Street, Newport ; 401-847-0475

Touro Synagogue
The oldest synagogue building in the United States, dedicated in 1763. The congregation was founded in 1658 by descendants of Sephardim from Spain and Portugal seeking a haven from religious persecution. Designed by noted colonial architect Peter Harrison. Considered one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture in America. Friday evening services, 6 p.m. in winter; 7 p.m. in summer. Saturday services, 8:45 a.m. Call for times. 85 Touro Street, Newport ; 401-847-4794; www.tourosynagogue.org

Trinity Church
Parish founded 1698. Washington worshipped here in Pew 81. One of the finest structures in America. Features only three-tiered, center aisle wine glass pulpit in America. Organ tested by Handel before sent from England by philosopher Bishop George Berkeley. Queen Elizabeth II and the Archbishop of Canterbury visited in 1976. Tiffany stained glass windows. $3 million rehabilitation completed in 1987 to original specifications. The church has been in use since 1726. May, Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Jun 15-Labor Day, daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sep 8-Apr 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Queen Anne Square, Spring and Church Streets, Newport; 401-846-0660; www.trinitynewport.org

Whitehall Museum House
Built by Dean George Berkeley, philosopher, educator, and Anglican Bishop. Authentically furnished for 1729-1731. Maintained by the National Society of Colonial Dames. Jul-Aug, Tue-Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and by appointment the rest of the year. 311 Berkeley Avenue, Middletown; 401-846-3116